Epiglottitis: Old Problem, New Patients

Although less prevalent in children, epiglottitis should still be part of the differential diagnosis in adults. The diagnosis of the disease is dependent on a high index of suspicion, clinical findings and microbiologic findings. Unlike in children, the disease in adults is less fulminant, has a diverse etiology and is less likely to need aggressive intervention. Treatment for the majority of adults with epiglottitis is careful observation and antibiotics. The key is to have the suspicion.

What is Epiglottitis? Sarah Silverman's Scary Illness Explained

It's rare, but it's out there.

Adult epiglottitis

The most common symptoms are sore throat, odynophagia and muffled voice. Soft-tissue lateral neck radiography has a sensitivity of 88%, whereas laryngoscopy is the most accurate investigation to establish a diagnosis.

Adult epiglottitis: an under‐recognized, life‐threatening condition

In summary, a belief that epiglottitis is rare in adults has contributed to misdiagnosis and high mortality rates. We present three cases that are typical of adult epiglottitis, in that there is no one identifiable causal agent or factor that would allow rationalisation of a particular therapy. To advocate conservative management belies the aggressive nature of this disease. We believe there should be a greater emphasis on early interventional support of the airway.

Adult supraglottitis: a potential airway emergency that can present in primary care

Adult supraglottitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, characterised by inflammation of the supraglottic structures of the larynx, namely the arytenoids, the false vocal cords, the laryngeal ventricles, the aryepiglottic folds and the epiglottis. This condition presents a diagnostic challenge owing to the non-specific nature of the clinical presentation.

Epiglottitis Associated With Intermittent E-cigarette Use: The Vagaries of Vaping Toxicity

This case, combined with the growing body of evidence revealing the toxic effects of vaping and the increasing use of electronic cigarettes among adolescent patients, highlights the many unknowns and risks regarding the biological effects of this practice.

Epiglottitis Killed President George Washington?

A more likely cause of the sore throat that eventually lead to his death is a peritonsillar abscess, a far more common cause of sore throats that could lead to death if not treated. In any case, it is entirely possible that his physicians may have contributed to his death... blood-letting of 3.75 liters... Gosh... a human adult has about 5 liters of blood. As far as I'm concerned... that's medical malpractice and one could argue first degree murder. Add mercury poisoning as well.

Epiglottitis: A Pediatric Emergency

Requires immediate attention, will escalate within hours. Go to the ER.

Epiglottitis: It Hasn’t Gone Away

While bacterial epiglottitis used to be a common disease, usually seen by pediatric anesthesiologists, it is now much less common. Here, we will discuss the pathophysiology and the infectious nature of the disease in both adults and children and will summarize anesthesia management.

Let’s break it down!

Luckily for us, epiglottitis is not nearly as common as what it used to be. Historically, most cases of epiglottitis only affected children under the age of 5 and it was predominantly caused by H. influenza type B. But since the widespread adoption of Hib vaccinations, the incidence of epiglottitis has decreased by more than 90%. Still, epiglottitis is not completely gone. In the post-Hib-vaccine era, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus are now the leading causes of epiglottitis. In addition, other things like trauma and inhalation injuries can still cause it as well. The average age of patients with epiglottitis is 45.

The Epiglottis: Saint or Sinner in Sleep Apnea?

Based on our research utilizing drug-induced sleep endoscopy and the work of others, it is estimated that about 10% of patients with sleep apnea appear to have their epiglottis substantially either fall backwards or fold in half during sleep. Both of these can narrow the space for breathing and contribute to sleep apnea.

Thumb and vallecula signs in acute infectious epiglottitis

Although infectious epiglottitis was historically most often caused by Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib), the success of widespread Hib vaccination has reduced the incidence of this disease among children. Infectious epiglottitis caused by Hib is becoming more common in adults than in children.

What They Don’t Tell You about Epiglottitis

Although more prevalent in kids, adults also suffer from epiglottitis. It requires urgent treatment, especially in kids that are more vulnerable to breathing disorders.